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Police prepare for Mardi Gras rush in town and businesses

As Mardi Gras season kicks into high gear in the month of February, state and local police are starting their plans to make the parades and parties safe, as well as enforce laws of selling alcohol and tobacco.

As Mardi Gras season kicks into high gear, state and local police are starting their plans to make the parades and parties safe, as well as enforce laws of selling alcohol and tobacco.

Opelousas police chief Donald Thompson has begun his plans to handle the crowds at the city's Mardi Gras parade in a new way, thanks to a new mounted police unit.

Thompson said the force has added to new horses to handle crowd control and will serve as an attraction for the revelers, including the children.

"It's much better to handle the crowds and keep them away from floats and keep them from getting people hurt," he said. "We're adding more police to make sure everyone has a good time."

Thompson is confident that he has enough officers on duty to ensure revelers will be safe.

With the addition of the mounted horses, Thompson hopes that the sight of seeing police officers on horseback will give residents a more relaxed feeling about local police.

"People want to see the police that is proactive instead of reactive, and on a different level," Thompson said.

Another thing police will watch out for is illegal or improper selling of alcohol and tobacco products. Thompson said officers will be out watching for those selling without permits.

"We will be enforcing our codes around town," he said. "For anyone setting up roadside shops, we will ask, 'Show me your license.'"

At the state level, the Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control will have agents around the state to make sure products are not sold illegally or to those under the age of 21.

"I understand that Mardi Gras and alcohol often go hand and hand; however, it's ATC's responsibility to make sure that businesses are following the law and are not jeopardizing the safety of our residents and visitors by serving underage persons," said commissioner Troy Hebert.

Hebert asked businesses to train their staff and obtain proper permits and be prepared to face the increased patronage to make sure the laws are being followed.

The ATC said that the number of citations for improperly selling alcohol to minors has decreased dramatically.